Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist: How to Know Which One You Need

If you're considering getting help for your mental health, you've probably come across both "psychiatrist" and "psychologist" — and wondered what the difference actually is. While the titles sound similar, these are distinct professions with different training, tools, and approaches. Understanding the difference can help you find the right provider for your needs here in the Atlanta metro area.

Education and Training

Psychiatrists

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in mental health. Their training includes four years of undergraduate education, four years of medical school, and at least four years of psychiatric residency. That's a minimum of 12 years of education and clinical training. Some psychiatrists, like Dr. Aneel Ursani at Next Step Psychiatry, complete additional fellowship training in specialized areas.

Because psychiatrists are medical doctors, they can prescribe medications, order lab tests, and evaluate how physical health conditions may be affecting your mental health.

Psychologists

A psychologist typically holds a doctoral degree — either a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy, more research-focused) or a Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology, more clinically focused). Their training takes approximately 9–11 years and emphasizes therapy techniques, psychological testing, and behavioral interventions.

In most states, including Georgia, psychologists cannot prescribe medication. Their primary tool is psychotherapy (talk therapy), including approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy.

Key Differences at a Glance

When to See a Psychiatrist

Consider seeing a psychiatrist if you:

• Think you might benefit from medication for anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, or another condition
• Have symptoms that are significantly impacting your daily functioning
• Need a formal psychiatric evaluation or diagnosis
• Want to explore options like Spravato® for treatment-resistant depression
• Have tried therapy alone and need additional support

When to See a Psychologist

A psychologist may be a better fit if you:

• Want to work through issues primarily through talk therapy
• Need psychological testing (like ADHD or personality assessments)
• Prefer learning coping skills and behavioral strategies
• Want to process past trauma or relationship issues

Many People Benefit from Both

In practice, many patients work with both a psychiatrist and a psychologist simultaneously. The psychiatrist manages medication while the psychologist provides ongoing therapy. This combination approach is often the most effective treatment strategy, especially for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

At Next Step Psychiatry, we frequently coordinate care with therapists and psychologists across Gwinnett County to ensure our patients receive comprehensive support.